A look at the facts on the David Benavidez sparring Bivol stories to get to what really happened.
The fight between Benavidez and Dmitry Bivol is being talked about a lot now next up.
At light-heavyweight.
But what happened with Benavidez sparring Bivol? Here’s what we know.
- When: They sparred multiple times around 2019. Benavidez was 22.
- Benavidez claim: He trapped Bivol in the corner. He threw 15-20 shots. Says he “almost dropped him.”
- Benavidez says: Team Bivol ended sparring after that round.
- Team Benavidez claim: Promoter says Benavidez “dropped Bivol with headgear and big gloves.”
- Bivol response: He dismissed it. Says sparring “has nothing to do with fighting.”
- Proof: No video exists. Only photos were posted from Churchill Boxing Club.
- Aftermath: WBC ordered Bivol vs Benavidez in 2024. Bivol vacated the WBC belt instead of fighting him.
Sparring is sparring though.
Both have come a long way since then and are champions in their own right now.
Both with strong momentum.
Who knows what kind of fights they will have to deal with this year but a fight between the two would be highly entertaining for fans and the entire sport of boxing.
Jai Opetaia vs David Benavidez is also being looked at as a fight at the moment.
